Indiana's two-time All-Star David West chose to opt out of his $12.6 million contract with the Pacers and become an unrestricted free agent this summer, as reported by Indianapolis Star's Candace Buckner. Sources said that he is expecting to sign with the New York Knicks this July.

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The 34-year-old West, who is the New Orleans Pelicans' all-time leading scorer, was described by Pacers coach Frank Vogel as the team's "Rock" for his veteran leadership and stable performances both in the regular season and the postseason. However, his 2014-2015 averages of 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists is a decrease as he battled several injuries last season.

Bleacher Report noted that those statistics were still "above average player efficiency" ratings which suggest that the 12-year veteran still has what it takes to compete in the big league, although the report made it clear that he was no longer the "vintage version of himself".

Even with the effects of age, West can still provide solutions to the frontcourt needs of some teams come October, such as the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and the Knicks.

NJ Advance Media said that reporter Jared Zwerling disclosed West would most likely end up with Phil Jackson's crew as he was aware of the opportunity even before he chose to opt out of his Indiana deal.  

The triangle offense requires a passing big man that could effectively find players who are cutting to the basket and are open for medium range jump shots. With his unusually high assists average for a power forward, West is said to be perfect for the job. 

While the 6-foot-9, 250-pound low post threat would surely help Derek Fisher's triangle with his passing and playmaking skills, the question is whether the Knicks could provide him more compensation than what he was supposed to receive with the Pacers if he had opted in. But some league sources said that West is okay with playing for a little less in the hopes of finding a winning team with Jackson and Carmelo Anthony.

With the possibility of having West in the fold, Carmelo can go back to his more comfortable spot at small forward where he can settle at the wings and face the basket more often.

Furthermore, there were also speculations that New York is in the hunt to sign center Greg Monroe from the Detroit Pistons to give them a menacing Monroe-West-Anthony frontline.

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, NBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, David West, Indiana Pacers